THE BREXIT NO-BILL-ITY

now give up!

Latest legal challenge against Brexit is blocked by High Court in blow for Remoaners

Pro-Remainers have dismissed a claim by the leading Brexit campaigner Steve Baker that as many as 27 rebels could vote with the opposition as wide of the mark.

However with a Government majority of just 16 in the Commons, the arithmetic may be tight if it does come to a vote on Article 50.

Former ministers Anna Soubry and Dominic Grieve were reported to be among the potential rebels, alongside veteran pro-European Ken Clarke, the only Tory to oppose the Bill in last week's second reading vote.

There was fury among colleagues that shadow home secretary Diane Abbott, one of his closest allies, escaped unpunished after she failed to vote, claiming a migraine, despite a three-line whip.

Three other members of the shadow cabinet resigned to oppose the Bill, but Mr Corbyn has yet to decide what to do about the 10 junior shadow ministers and three party whips who also voted against the bill.